Setting the Spring pre-load
Measuring
Proceed as follows (it will be much easier if done by two persons):

A) Place the motorcycle on a stand.

B) Raise the rear end of the vehicle so that the suspension is in a fully extended position.

C) Measure the distance, e.g. from the lower edge of the rear mud guard or from a point marked by a piece of tape, immediately above the rear wheel axle, to the wheel axle. (R1)

D) Make a similar measurement on the front axle, e.g. from the bottom of the upper fork crown to the front wheel axle. The fork must also be fully extended. (F1)

E) Allow the motorcycle (without rider) to apply load on the springs and repeat the measuring procedure. (R2, F2)

F) Then take the same measurements with the rider and equipment on the motorcycle. (R3, F3)

NOTE!
It is important that the rider has a correct riding posture, so that the weight is balanced on the front and rear wheel in the same way as when riding.

The measurements must not differ from the following sizes:

Without rider (static sag):
Rear: 10-20 mm (R1-R2)
Front: 15-30 mm (F1-F2)

With rider (ride height):
Rear: 25-40 mm (R1-R3)
Front: 35-50 mm (F1-F3)

NOTE!
Older gear shaft drive driven motorcycles (not para lever shaft drive) usually raise the rear end during acceleration. We recommend that the the static sag (R1-R2) is extended to 15-20 mm and the ride height (R1-R3) to 35?45 mm on these motorcycles.

Adjusting
Adjust the pre-load with the rings on the shock absorber or by hydraulic pre-loading. In the first case, hold the upper ring and adjust the lower one to the desired position (Fig.7A). Then lock with the upper ring.

For hydraulic pre-loading, increase by turning clockwise and reduce by turning counter clockwise (Fig.7B).

NOTE!
On shock absorbers that have mechanical type adjustment the position of the adjusting/pre-load rings can be adjusted. On a shock absorber that has hydraulic setting the basic position can be adjusted. Such changes should be attended to by an Öhlins authorized service workshop.

The original setting of the shock absorber, when delivered from Öhlins, should always be a base when the settings are changed by use of the adjustment devices.

NOTE!
The spring pre-load affects the ride height, it does not affect the spring stiffness. Therefore, on models with a linkage to the shock absorber, the suspension may actually feel harder when you reduce the pre-load and the shock absorber gets into the harder range of the link system.

Front fork springs
To optimize the road holding qualities of a motorcycle the front fork must match the rear suspension. Öhlins springs are available for a large number of motorcycles (Fig.8). These, in combination with

Öhlins shock absorbers, contribute to superior road holding qualities. The original make of springs should be used if there are none of our springs in the recommendation table. However, they must be in good condition and not fatigued. Remember to change the fluid in the front fork at least once every year. We recommend Öhlins front fork oil.

NOTE!
It is important that the recommendation table is followed for new front springs. If there are no recommended front springs you must ensure that the existing springs are in good condition. Neglecting to check the front springs could seriously affect the handling qualities of the motorcycle.